Learn energy tips with Izaak Walton League

On Tuesday, March 5, the Elgin chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America will meet at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 899 Jay St. in Elgin.

The guest speaker will be Megan Butler, representing Energy Impact Illinois, an alliance of local government organizations, utility companies and nonprofit groups formed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Neighborhood Program.

The goal of this program is to help homeowners lower their energy bills by using energy efficient improvements. For a limited time, homeowners can receive up to $1,750 in instant rebates provided by Energy Impact Illinois and their local utility.

A contractor will identify the most cost-effective improvements by completing a home energy assessment, often suggesting air sealing or adding more insulation. Homeowners then can decide if they would like to pursue the improvements and realize savings on their energy bills.

The club's winter hiatus is over and it is starting its 2013 program year. The general meetings are at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at 899 Jay St., and the executive board meetings meet the third Tuesday of each month.

Willow Creek cleanups have been scheduled for Saturdays, May 18 and Sept. 14. This is an ongoing project of the Elgin chapter and all interested parties are invited to help. Ellis Middle School's Science Club has participated and found this project very rewarding and eye-opening.

The Izaak Walton League is celebrating 90 years of "Defending Outdoor America for Generations to Come." The club welcomes individuals looking to be advocates for the natural world and who believe that actions and policies need to be based on sustainability for future generations.

Stop by any meeting, visit the website elginike.org, or call Bill at (847) 867-9393 for details. Information on the Izaak Walton League of America is available at www.iwla.org.